Tuesday

Yes, this year is my year. I am going to be 40 in May... oh my, yes, I said 40. I plan to be fabulous at 40! In order to be fabulous, I have some changes to make. I got derailed from some of my goals in 2013 and it's time to claim my life again. No more excuses!

Cook for myself 4-5 days a week:
I am a horrible planner, so I am not going to be making food prepping goals yet, but I will cook for my family 5 nights a week unless there is a school or sporting event that gets in the way of this.

Get out of Debt:
I will budget monthly. Each month I will have cash that I am allowed to spend on gas, groceries and fun. I will save money each month and use it to pay off debt. Any extra money from jobs will go in savings for an emergency.

Get to the Gym or get a run in 5 times a week:
There is really no excuse for not doing this. I will do this and I will post about those workouts to keep myself accountable.

Monday

Over the past couple of days, I have been trying to organize my thoughts and reflect on this year and how things went. I have been struggling with the organization part of it. I decided that I just needed to get my thoughts down on paper.

Over all I would say.... 2013... I did it! :)

Highlights:

1. Speaking in front of a bunch of awesome bloggers at the Ignite Keynote at FitBloggin'2. Meeting so many amazing people at FitBloggin and finding some sisters and brothers for life! #wobble3. Rappelling down a building4. Blogging for the Rays5. Meeting Bethany Frankle6. Starting CrossFit and even though I have been temporarily sidelined, I love it and hope to return soon.7. Getting to know the Tampa Bay Bloggers and doing some great things.8. Running races with my son9. Making some new friends who feel like family10. Remembering that time goes quickly andit's important to live life and play.

Disappointments:1. medical problems that sidelined me2. giving in to bad habits when I became sidelined

3. not running as much as I wanted to4. no mud!!! Well not since March at least. Changes I am ready to make:1. Workout 4-5 times a week2. Run! No excuses!3. Cook 4-5 meals a week.4. Sign up for a half and do it!5. Get out of the house more often. Being a mom is great, but I need to do things and put myself out there more often.

Saturday

As I sit here at my brother's house on vacation, I am thinking about the successes and the setbacks from 2013. I am trying to figure out how I can stick to my goals in 2014 and not get off track. I am thinking about the areas where I have found success and the areas where I find weakness. It occured to me that I have to focus on fixing my weak areas. I am not ready to post about what worked and what didn't yet, but I am sure that there are some changes that WILL be made. That post will be done in the next couple of days.

It seems to me that if I focus on making small changes, I will see big differences. There is no magic pill. I have to WANT it and DO it! It's really easy to want it and sit on my butt and dream about it. I have good days and bad days, and the important thing is that the number of good days out-number the bad. There is no excuse for it being the other way around. No matter what goes wrong in life, there is no excuse for self sabotage.

Are you making New Year's Resolutions? Any tips on writing successful goals? I would love to quote you in my next blog post.

Yes, it is Festivus today! It's December 23! And actually, we used to have a decoration for Festivus. I am not sure what happened to it, but it was something my ex-mother-in-law made for me. Do you remember this show? Seinfeld was the best! I think Bryce and I will wrestle each other later to test our strength :)

Sunday

It seems that at this time of the year, it's important to remember why we do this decorating, shopping, baking, hustling and craziness. Whether you are a Christian or you have some other belief, we can all remember that above all else, this season is about love! Yes those of us who are Christian can go deeper than that and see God's love for His son. To me, it's a very special time. I am definitely a believer, and I try to live my life for God. I am not perfect, and He doesn't expect me to be. I wish that we could all stop talking about this Duck Dynasty nonsense right now. I have my own opinions about it, and I am sure that no matter which side you are on, you feel that you are right. So let's stop talking about it and remember that we have a very special birthday to celebrate in a few days! Love each other and love your neighbors! May God Bless you and have a wonderful holiday!

Today is the last day for my giveaways. There are some great ones. Go check them out!!!

This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Koss. Giveaway products were also given for this post, but all opinions are my own.

I know that we are always looking for the perfect gift for the people in our lives. I have put together this gift guide to help you find something for that special someone in your life!

1. Koss Headphones
As a runner, I have tried so many different kinds of headphones. I have finally found the ones that work for me. Have you heard of Koss? Koss makes headphone specifically for women! The fit clip (pictured to the right) are the ones that I like the best. I can finally run without playing with my headphones. These have been a huge help with my running.

FitBuds ($29.99*):

- 33% smaller (than any earbud Koss has ever created) - Sweat resistant - Three different sizes of ear cushions included for the perfect fit

FitClips ($29.99*):

- Do not fall out - Sweat resistant - Three different sizes of ear cushions included for the perfect fit

2. The LOOP! by Polar
This is the coolest gadget I think that I have ever owned. I have only had it a few days, and my son has already written Santa to add it to his list.
This is the activity tracker that makes you move! It is great. You don't have to hook it to your phone to find out your progress. It has a button on top that tells you everything you need to know. The really cool thing is that you can wear a Heart Rate strap and it will work as a Polar Heart Rate Monitor too. It's like having it all in one! It is a must have. Here's a video to learn more.

3. Gorgo Magazine

You can go to http://gorgomag.com/subscribe/ My good friends Valerie and Erica decided to start their own women's magazine. They wanted it to be real. They are looking to inspire everyday women into leading healthy lifestyles. They are so knowledgeable and amazing people!

You can subscribe to Gorgo for just $1.99 an issue. It is interactive and online. You will not regret this purchase.

Taken from their website: "GORGO articles are for all women of all ages craving fitness and health content from trusted experts. We understand how the modern everyday woman actually lives, and each issue reflects that with its sections: EAT, MOVE, LIVE, LEARN."

5. Polar Heart Rate Monitor
Seriously!!! You need one of these if you don't have one. Polar Heart Rate monitors have changed my life. It has changed how I work out and how I track my workouts. I just got two new Polars for myself for Christmas.

It is my firm belief that I push myself harder when I can see how many calories I have burned and how many I need to burn! Head over to http://www.polar.com/us-en.

They have a great app for the iPhone and soon for the Droid called The Polar Beat. You just need a Polar Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Sensor. Play for a chance to win one right here! Enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win the Smart Heart Rate Sensor.

This is a first of its kind. I was sent this product to check it out. We love it! It is great to finally have some music in the shower. I sound much better singing for sure! STORMp3 is the first water resistant, wall mountable MP3 player with integrated speakers built with the bathroom in mind. The unique design and style of this new digital audio player makes it a perfect gift for the Holidays.Enter the Coupon Code: holiday when you purchase a Stormp3 Portable Shower Speaker and receive a color-matched Fogless Shower Mirror by Toilettree Products for FREE! Amazon’s top-rated shower mirror is guaranteed not to fog — and it’s a $30 Value!

You need to try one. You will never go back. I have not! I actually need more!

8. Peace Love and Low Carb cookbook
My good friend Kyndra has a brand new cookbook out right now. You have to go check it out. You can head over to her website http://www.peaceloveandlowcarb.com/. She is offering a giveaway for us too. You can win one of her cookbooks. All you have to do is comment on one of her recipes on her blog and then fill out the rafflecopter below.

Core Power is awesome. I have been asked to be an ambassador and they are giving me a fun prize pack to give you in a giveaway.

Milk is one of the best sources of protein, helping to build lean muscle and recharge the body when consumed directly after physical activity. Core Power is the real-milk based sports recovery drink and contains natural whey and casein proteins found in milk - never removed from their original liquid state. The brand features simple ingredients and great taste, without a chalky texture. You can also check out the website for recipes!

Core Power is available nationally. They were recently named the "Official Protein Drink of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games!" That is a pretty amazing reason to give them a try!Follow Core Power on twitter and facebook!

There are many benefits on FeelFitWear fitness clothing, the soft feel, the fashion look and the versatility but there are some features that they like to put for a test on reviews. 1. The Wash test - After I wore my outfit, it washed up great! I didn't dry it because I do not dry my workout clothes. My outfit still looks as good as new.2. The Dry Test - It dries pretty quickly which shows there is definitely moisture wicking material.3. The Sweat test – There were some sweat marks due to the fact that I sweat like crazy, but I was amazed by how fast it disappeared.

Everyday free shipping within U.SFeelFitWear sells wholesaleThey offer 15% OFF to all fitness instructors: To apply send an email to fitnessexperts@feelfitwear.com with a proof of a fitness certificate.

I had the pleasure of meeting Amy last summer at FitBloggin'. Amy is a ball of energy and is always smiling. She is one of those people that you think life has just been easy for. She is a great runner and very fit. As an overweight person, it was my first impression that she has always been that way. I learned that that was not true. Amy has had her struggles, and no matter how hard it gets, she perseveres! Read all about her here!

Name:Amy

State: California

from Amy's facebook page

When and why did you start working out? I've been active for most of my life. I was a dancer from a very young age, but after college I went into the real world and all of a sudden my time for dancing and working out went away. I was working 7 days a week most weeks and up to 14-15 hour days. Working out became something that took away from resting and recovering for the next long day. In 2010, I was a bridesmaid in my cousins wedding. Twice the size of every other bridesmaid and had hit 220+ on the scale. I was ashamed. I hid from the camera that weekend. And when I came home and made the choice to get healthy. Eat healthy and start walking. Doing little things to improve myself. It's been a hard 3 years since then but I've changed my life and I don't ever intend to go back.

after Dumbo Dare

What is your workout of choice? I do a lot of things. Running, Weight Training, Yoga, Hot Yoga, Barre, Dance, Walking. I like to mix it up to keep it interesting. Test your bodies in different ways and keep it from getting boring. When I get bored or overtired of one activity I add in something else.

What is your favorite race, race distance, and WOD? I think I love my half marathons most. They're a great test. Constantly challenging me even though I've done so many. But I like to toss it up. The full marathon is one I'm trying to conquer more. But I also want to focus on shorter distances and getting faster. Every year brings a new decision on where and what I want to focus my efforts on :)

What is your most favorite piece of workout gear? My lululemon tops. They fit well and have great breathability!

Do you follow any diet or take any specific supplements that complement your workouts? I take Whey Protein or Quest bars post workout to help

What is your favorite cheat food? Peanut butter! I'm addicted!

What advice would you give someone just starting out? Take it one day at a time. Do WHAT you can WHEN you can. Don't try to tack on too much at the beginning. Because if you don't achieve it you will often get down on yourself and then give up. So just do little changes as you can! As long as you're better than you were the day before you're making progress!

What is your best workout memory? I don't know if I could choose one. Every achievement is different. I remember when I completed my first half marathon. Crying the last quarter mile because I was ACTUALLY doing it. And the same with my first full marathon. When I reached mile 25 I KNEW it was happening. But I get emotional with a lot of my races. Every one reminds me of how far I've come in my journey. Every race is a different battle. And now every time I hit the gym and reach a new goal (whether its reps or weight) I remind myself of how hard I've worked to get here. Even the days I don't hit my goal or have a rough workout. Those days are sometimes even better. They humble you and remind you that you still have work to do. Always room to improve yourself!

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item? Ironman. This is a huge one for me. I've done a half and full marathon. I'm looking into triathlons now and cycling. I want to do a full ironman by the time I'm 35. The ultimate test of endurance and heart.

Tell us something that not many people know about you?

I'm kinda dorky. I love doing silly things and laughing all the time. I make fun of myself at every chance I can and say the quirkiest things without really meaning to. My dance students tell me all the time how silly I am. Being silly is when I'm at my best. When I take life too seriously I get down on myself. And that happens more often than I'd like it too. So trying to keep my quirkiness as much as possible is high on my life list :)

Thursday

disclosure: I was given passes to jump at AirHeads for compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.How fun would it be to jump with Santa!

My son would love it! We have more fun when we go to AirHeads. The idea of kids jumping with Santa makes me want to go just to see it! What a great idea! Did you know that AirHeads even has workout classes? I have to try one!

Saturday

Every year at this time, parents everywhere scramble to be sure that they buy gifts for all of the important people in their children's lives. I know this because I am on both sides. As a parent, I know the stress of being sure that I get everyone something, and as a teacher, I know that I get lots of wonderful gifts from my students that make me feel so loved and appreciated. This year there is a new company that is ready to help you with all of your shopping needs! HipChip! Group gift giving is now easy! Classes use HipChip to give gift cards to their teachers. Teams use HipChip to give gift cards to their coaches. Coworkers use HipChip to give gift cards to their colleagues. Groups use HipChip to give gift card to anyone!!!

Starting a gift is easy. You simply choose a recipient, select which card you would like to

give and kick things off by adding a few dollars to your card.

They will help you invite your group and keep track of everything. They will notify you when people chip in and automatically remind the latecomers for you. HipChip accepts payments online, pools the contributions and prepares your gift cards for easy printing and instant email delivery! It's so easy!

*You will be automatically entered by setting up a teacher's gift at HipChip.com. To be eligible for this promotion, the teacher's gift card must be purchased from HipChip by December 31, 2013 and at least five people have to contribute to the teacher's gift. Each entry must be unique and only one (1) Domino's gift card will be issued per class. Winners will be notified in January 2014 and additional information may be requested. Gift cards to Domino's will be distributed in February 2014.

You can learn more about HipChip at HipChip.com and you can follow all of their social media outlets here:

Anyone who has a child who participates in sports or who is an athlete himself or herself knows that mouth guards are essential in any contact sports. While I watched my son play tackle football, I worried that he would take his mouthpiece out and forget to put it back in. Mouth guards are a staple for contact sports athletes, but what do most youth athletes do the moment the whistle blows? They pull out their mouth guard and when the action starts again, they scramble to get the mouth guard back in their mouths. A large part of this scenario is because mouth guards don't fit properly and they taste horrible. That is where MoGo Sport Mouth Guards come into play.

MoGo is the first flavored mouth guard on the market with technology that uses a player's dental impressions to provide a custom fit mouth guard with unrivaled protection on the field. It is worn by thousands of athletes across the country at the youth, high school, collegiate, and professional levels. So what makes MoGo stand out? Performance, Protection, Fit and of course, FLAVOR! No other product provides this kind of protection while giving athletes a reason to keep the mouth guard in their mouth throughout the entire game. I wouldn't trust my son with anything else~ They sent me a few for my son and his friends to try out. The boys loved them! And they won the championship! My son's favorite flavor was mint!

There is a great giveaway going right now too. Daily prize packages include a MoGo flavored mouthguard and a MoGo tshirt. We will also do a different weekly mini grand prize each week; a football signed by Colin Kaepernick, a hockey puck signed by Evgeni Malkin or a basketball signed by Stephen Curry. The grand prize winner gets all 3! The link to enter is on our fan page at https://www.facebook.com/mogo.sport/app_208585222608866Do you have children who participates in sports? Do they wear a mouth guard?

Thursday

I know that I do, but even better than that, I am looking forward to watching the World Championship Spartan Race that is being broadcast on NBC Sports on December 7! Anyone who has ever done an athletic race like this, knows that this is where we separate the men from the boys and the women from the girls.

Tuesday

I met this awesome chick about a year or so ago on twitter. We were involved in quite a few twitter chats. Then we became blogging buddies. I loved Shannon online, but when we finally met in person, I knew we were going to be buddies for life! This girl is the whole package. She is hysterical. She is beautiful on the inside and out! Seriously, when I saw her, I thought I was going to jump out of my skin! We had the best time and I cannot wait to spend more time with her.

Meet my sweet girl, Shannon!

Name: Shannon Colavecchio

State: Florida

When and why did you start working out? I have worked out since college, but back then I frankly had no idea what I was doing and had a very unhealthy attitude toward food and exercise. Today I work out because I love how strong and alive I feel and because it has brought me to a place where - as the owner of a fitness studio - I can be an example and instructor to help others reach their fitness goals. There is no better feeling than seeing them succeed!

What is your workout of choice? I love Tabata Bootcamp- no more than 45 minutes and it seriously kicks butt and burns calories for hours after, not to mention working the entire body. Runner-up - a great cycle session or run with friends.

The hardest step is the first one, and it’s all baby steps after that. So take your fitness journey one step at a time, and consider each one a victory. Because hey, at least you’re NOT on the couch!

What is your best workout memory? Finishing my first cycling class as instructor - the first group fitness format I ever taught. Being able to leave students feeling challenged but happy and strong, I knew at

that moment what I was meant to do - helping others through fitness.

What is your biggest “FIT BUCKET LIST” item? I want to be a master trainer for Schwinn, IndoRow and TRX someday and present at fitness conferences!

Tell us something that not many people know about you? In college, the class I most struggled with was Aerobics. At the time, the thought of the ‘final exam’ of leading a class solo was terrifying! How far we come, huh?! ;)

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DISCLAIMER

I am not a registered dietitian and do not have any official training, certifications, or degrees in nutrition or fitness. My blog is simply a documentation of my life. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or a trained professional before starting a new diet or fitness plan.